“Fascinated with the Hispanic and Native American folktales of his youth, Anaya (The Farolitos of Christmas, 1995, etc.) has compiled ten stories from time-honored oral traditions, including some passed on in corridos, or songs. The tales hold lessons on respect for elders, the importance of the Catholic faith, reverence for the animal world, the role of luck in a man's life, and whether or not we should attempt to seek immortality. The wide variety of stories demonstrate a mature understanding of life's trappings and dangers, but retain a healthy sense of humor about the human predicament. Cordova's black-and-white illustrations capture the magic and beliefs expressed by the tales. (b&w illustrations, glossary)” (Kirkus Reviews)

Consummate storyteller Rudolfo Anaya draws on the rich Hispanic and Native American folklore of the Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico to tell these enchanting stories.

Meet Dulcinea, who dances with the devil, and Lupe, who encounters the ghostly La Llorona one dark night. Rudolfo Anaya, "the most widely read Mexican-American" (Newsweek), has written ten captivating stories set in the Southwest. Memorable characters and evocative tales that reflect the Hispanic and Native American heritage of the United States combine to make this a book that will be treasured.

About the author: Rudolfo Anaya was born in the village of Pastura, New Mexico, and was raised in Santa Rosa and Albuquerque. Formerly a professor at the University of New Mexico, Mr. Anaya is the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship, the Premio Quinto Sol national Chicano literary award for his novel Bless Me, Ultima, and the PEN Center West fiction award for his novel Alburquerque. He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

About the illustrator: Amy Cordova is a self-taught artist who lives in the mountains of northern New Mexico. About her work, she says: "My art and writing comes from a place inside me; I want to see what feelings look like, not just images. When I draw, my pictures tell stories. Through my writing, I make pictures." Ms. Cordova has written and illustrated Abuelita's Heart and illustrated My Night Forest by Roy Owen.